Biometric residence permits (BRPs)

Biometric residence permits (BRPs) are cards that were used to prove immigration status. You might have a BRP if you were granted permission to live or work in the UK on or before 31 October 2024.

All BRPs have now expired and have been replaced by eVisas. An eVisa is an online record of your immigration status.

If you have an expired BRP and still have permission to stay in the UK, you need to create a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account to get access to your eVisa. 

You should keep your expired BRP.  You might be able to use it for 18 months after the expiry date printed on the card to:

You can no longer use an expired BRP for travel.

If there’s a problem with your expired BRP

If there’s a problem with your expired BRP, you cannot use it. You must destroy it.

You need to check:

You can ask for an administrative review if both of the following apply:

  • you applied for your visa from inside the UK
  • there are mistakes in the length or conditions of your visa

If your expired BRP is lost or stolen

You must report a lost or stolen BRP, even though it’s expired.

You can be fined up to £1,000 and made to leave the UK if you do not report a lost or stolen BRP. 

You can get someone to report it for you, for example a legal representative, a charity, a family member, employer, college or university.

The Home Office will contact you within one working day of reporting it.

If you find your BRP after reporting it lost or stolen

You will not be able to use your BRP if you find it after you report it lost or stolen. You must destroy it. 

Destroy your expired BRP

To destroy your expired BRP, cut the card into pieces and dispose of it.

Make sure you cut through:

  • your personal details
  • the royal coat of arms
  • the gold biometric chip, if your card has one

If you’ve found someone else’s lost or stolen BRP

If you’re in the UK, post the BRP to the Home Office using an envelope without a window.

Returns Unit
PO Box 195
Bristol
BS20 1BT

Do not send any other items or documents with the BRP - they’ll be destroyed.

If you’re outside the UK, hand the BRP in to the police or to the nearest British embassy or consulate.

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